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So it appears cell phones have racked up their first homicide. From CNN this morning:

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — An exploding mobile phone battery apparently killed a South Korean man in the first such known case in this gadget-obsessed country, police say.

The man, identified only by his family name Suh, was found dead at his workplace in a quarry Wednesday morning and his mobile phone battery was melted in his shirt pocket, a police official in Cheongwon, 135 kilometers (85 miles) south of Seoul, told The Associated Press.

“We presume that the cell phone battery exploded,” the police official said on condition of anonymity.

The official said the phone was made by South Korea’s LG Electronics, the world’s fifth-biggest handset maker.

LG Electronics confirmed its product was involved in the accident but said such a battery explosion and death was virtually impossible. - November 28th, 2007

I think it’s a pretty well documented fact that batteries can explode. Look at the rash of product recalls that have swept through multiple industries for the past decade. So now that exploding batteries have claimed their first life I thought it would be good to learn how to keep from becoming the next victim of technology.

Here are some steps taken from Hardwaresecrets.comto ensure the safe and long life of yourself an, yes, even your batteries:

• You can recharge a lithium-based battery frequently, but you shouldn’t recharge it more than it’s necessary. You use to recharge your cell phone for hours? Forget it!
• If the device needs to be kept stored for a lengthy period of time, keep the battery in a cool place at 40% state-of-charge. The website http://www.batteryuniversity.com stated that a Li-ion battery stored for a year at 40% charge loses 4% of its permanent capacity, and one stored at 100% charge loses 20% of its capacity.
• Keep your cell phone away from water, sand, dust and humidity. Short-circuiting can also explode your device.
• If your handheld gets wet, remove the battery and let your cell phone dries before put it back.
• Do not freeze the battery. When the battery gets warm again, it can be humid and cause damage to the battery’s circuit.
• Do not place your cell phone in a hot car.
• Do not carry your cell phone in your pocket.
• Do not use plastic cases to protect your cell phone. They can overheat it.
• Do not open the battery. Do not even try it!
• Prefer original and authorized accessories and batteries.
• Keep the battery away from metallic objects. It can short-circuit.
• Lithium-based batteries are used not just in cell phones, but also in many kinds of electronic devices, such as MP3 players, digital cams and laptops.
• If despite all these warnings your device gets overheated, contact technical assistance.

Good luck and safe keeping to you and your family!

Hans Erik
Content Marketing Director
Hans@Next2Friends.com
www.Next2Friends.com